Christmas Hack: Alternatives Food Corporation's Holiday Packages

Christmas shopping is one of the tasks I both love and hate to do. I love that I get to spoil the people special to me on this happy season but the insane holiday traffic makes shopping a daunting task. This is why I've decided to have some trusted suppliers for my Christmas gifts. Lately, I've been relying on Alternatives Food Corporation for my steak needs and I was thrilled when I found out that they offer Christmas packages perfect as gifts for fellow meat lovers. 

Hello, perfect Christmas gift!

I always find it hard to buy people gifts so I always end up buying the safest present... food. And when I found out that Alternatives Food Corporation now offers Christmas packages, the santa in me shouted "bingo"!

Love at First Bite: Papas

POTATO. Think of Gru's minions saying this word and you'd get an idea on how crazy I am with anything made with potatoes. And when I spotted this kiosk that sells fresh fried potato chips, I just have to give it a try. 

Hello, Papas!

I was walking around the south side of SM Mall of Asia looking for something to snack on while waiting for a friend when I saw this unfamiliar kiosk. The first thing I noticed were the cone containers on the counter which I figured would be for some small bites. And to my delight, it was for potato chips! I love potato chips!

New Bites: Krispy Kreme's Halloween-Themed Doughnuts and Frozen Kreme Shakes

Halloween is one of the most celebrated events of the year. With kids and adults donning their favorite costumes and joining the merriment with sweet treats on hand, it isn't hard to love this day of the year. And to make things even more interesting, Krispy Kreme launched not just a couple of Halloween-themed doughnuts but nine creepily adorable ones!

Hello, Krispy Kreme!

Celebrating spooks fest with these adorable limited edition Halloween-themed doughnuts is one of the best ways to make one's party fun. 

A Colorful Night with Rémy Martin VSOP

You don't have to wait for Christmas or an occasion to take a sip of your favorite cognac. And with Rémy Martin's new look, we'd have more reason to celebrate.

Hello, Rémy Martin. 

Christmas just got even earlier with Rémy Martin's new limited edition bottle designed by world renowned artist, Matt W. Moore. 

Two is Better than One: Max's Kabisera

With the local food scene getting crazier and crazier each day with the number of new brands and concepts opening in every corner, there are still classics that I go back to with Max's as one of my go to restaurants when it comes to Tofu Sisig, Pancit Canton and of course, fried chicken. And when it merged with my other favorite Filipino restaurant Kabisera, it felt like it was an early Christmas gift. 

Hello, Max's Kabisera.

Max's Kabisera came from the idea of merging two of Max's Group brands under one store to offer the best of both concepts resulting in a wide array of familiar dishes yet in a redefined dining experience and setting. 

Love at First Bite: Hello Goodbites

I could never say no to cookies. I drool every time I get a whiff of freshly baked goodies and I hardly hesitate to click the like button whenever I see it in my feed. Lately, I'm in the hunt for cookies I could proudly give away for Christmas and I noticed a high school batch mate of mine offering her "rejects" for free. By rejects, I do not mean bad batch but more of it just came out the wrong size or cracked. Her strict quality control impressed me and piqued my interest. And a few days ago, I finally decided to comment on her post asking for the price list. 

Hi there, Hello Goodbites!

Hello Goodbites is a passion project by Loren Calo. What makes her cookie business a tough cookie to beat is that she ensures freshness in a different level. Your cookies are delivered as soon as it gets out of the oven! She bakes on weekdays and delivers it on the same day (or hour)! And if traffic cooperates, your order might reach your doorstep still warm. 

La Lola Flies to Singapore!

La Lola has been spoiling us with its freshly made churros and its rich chocolate dip since December 2014. Now with 16 strong stores nationwide and offering a mix of sweet and savory bites and drinks, La Lola is ready to fly and spread happiness outside the Philippines.

La Lola Churreria flies to Singapore!

Yes, the brand that was conceptualize and grew in Manila is now on its way to Clarke Quay, Singapore. 

First Bite: Dokkebi Korean BBQ

The Korean food scene in Quezon City is insane. Maginhawa alone has Korean food joints left and right. Same is true in Banawe where the famous Samgyupsalamat has a branch and other players like Seoulgyupsal and Mokja can be found. Even Romantic Baboy is opening soon in the area. And one new player in town is Dokkebi Korean BBQ.

Hello, Dokkebi Korean BBQ. 

Located along N.S. Amoranto, you'd easily spot Dokkebi with its big signage and corner location. It is also on Waze so it won't be hard to find this new samgyupsal place. 

Midsummer Manila Trunk Show Finds

I used to be so addicted to bazaars that I mark each and every one in my calendar. And yes, it definitely drains the budget. I still remember how excited I was whenever the Rockwell or Noel bazaars will announce its dates and I make sure to block at least 2 of the three dates for shopping. But as I grew older, my priorities changed. I started to save more and smarter on where I spend my hard earned cash. Needless to say, I've grown more mature and learned when to splurge and save. But when I got invited to Midsummer Manila's trunk show a few weeks back, the shopaholic in me was back.

Hello, Midsummer Manila. 

Midsummer Manila is a bazaar and trunk show organizer that has been roaming around Manila specifically Makati and BGC with its curated concessionaires offering unique finds. 

I was invited to (I think) its second trunk show which took place in one of Arya Residences' function rooms and I was impressed with the selection. Hardly any can be considered mainstream. Most are beautifully hand crafted and worth every penny. 

Here's a rundown of my favorite finds:

First Sip: Black Scoop Cafe

Manila has turned into a milk tea crazy city. Most, if not all, milk tea stores in malls are packed with customers. Coco, Gong Cha, Dakasi, Serenitea, Happy Lemon, YiFang, ChaTime, Macao Imperial, Dakasi, you name it, each one has a strong following. But one brand that was quite off the radar is Black Scoop. 

Hello, Black Scoop Cafe.

Black Scoop opened its first store along the foodie strip Maginhawa last July. It didn't really make much buzz when it opened and I wouldn't have heard about this place if Let's Eat Pare's founder, M didn't mention it during an event we both attended. 

First Bite: Muang Thai

I love Thai cuisine but it was my recent trip to Thailand that made me appreciate it in a whole new level. With its scrumptious and colorful food everywhere, I was tempted to go on a food crawl every day during my 2 week visit. Thankfully, we have a handful of reliable Thai restaurants in Manila to satisfy our Pad Thai, Tom Yum and Satay cravings. One establishment stood the test of time and has been delighting foodies for over two decades. 

Hello, Muang Thai. 

Tucked inside Teachers Village, Muang Thai has been serving scrumptious Thai dishes since 1996. Fast forward to 2018, it now has a new look but continues to offer classics that would tickle anyone's taste buds.